I've seen this movie a few times and each time its gets better. William Holden plays a true life character who was a Swedish Oil executive who is blackmailed into becoming an agent for the Allies in Nazi Germany. Holden's performance is true to life in this film. His character is not a glamorous secret agent who takes on the entire Gestapo and makes love to scores of beautiful women with no ill-effects on his person. Holden's character narrates the story much through the film and one is genuinely engrossed in his exploits and how he will escape out of the country in the film climax. In addition, the producers filmed the story in postwar Germany using authentic locations. Plus the atmosphere of the film captures much of the ordinary day to day life during the latter days of Nazi Germany. Great Film and one of Holden's better performances
46 Reviews
Fascinating and suspenseful spy-thriller based on true events
ma-cortes16 February 2011
Alexander Klein wrote a 1958 book about Erickson's World War II exploits, The Counterfeit Traitor, which was made into 1962 this movie of the same name .True life espionage story about a businessman (an effective William Holden ) who lives a mission as double agent for the Allies during WWII. It begins in Stockholm 1942 . He made scores of trips to Germany between 1941 and 1944 , the hazards were great. He gathered priceless information on Germany's oil refineries, which he turned over to his Allied contacts . Gestapo agents tracked him on his visits to Germany. Though Erickson knew that he was under constant surveillance, he went about his oil business as well as the business of spying. One of his closest confederates was a woman (a haunting Lilli Palmer). Gestapo agents suddenly rushed in and arrested them both. Both were confined at Gestapo headquarters .
This is a suspense thriller full of tension , agonisingly intriguing and entertainment. Frequently riveting but overlong , it results to be a magnificent film. There are tremendous acting from the main protagonists as Holden and Palmer . Furthermore , splendid support cast from Germany as Klaus Kinski , Wolfgang Preiss, Werner Peters ,Schuman ; from Denmark as Reichhardt and from Sweden as Palme. Sensible and stirring musical score by the classic Alfred Newman . Colorful cinematography by the French Jean Bourgoin .The producers wish to express their gratitude to the city government of Stockholm , Copenhagen , Hamburg and West Berlin whose cooperation made it possible to photograph the authentic locales in the re-creation of this true story. The motion picture is stunningly directed by George Seaton. Professional and polish writer and director who occasionally rose well above his average standard and was twice rewarded with Academy Award for so making . Seaton formed a partnership with William Perlberg , was to produce all Seaton's movies for several years. Both of them produced and directed the following successes as ¨Miracle on 34th Street¨, ¨The country girl¨, a monster Box office as ¨Airport¨ , another unusual War film as ¨36 hours¨ and of course ¨Counterfeit traitor¨.
Based on true events , Erickson spied on German synthetic oil plants for the American OSS in World War II. At the outbreak of World War II, Erickson offered his services to the United States. Pretending that he was a Nazi, Erickson visited Germany more than 30 times between 1939 and 1945.Working with a few German industrialists and businessmen who were part of the conspiracy. He and his women accomplice were arrested. The woman, however, had been under suspicion as being a spy. The Germans concluded that Erickson was simply a businessman seeking sexual gratification but the woman was a spy. The Allies stepped up their bombing of Germany and Nazi-occupied countries in 1943, but had difficulty in locating the oil refineries that kept Hitler's war machine moving. Erickson was told by his OSS spymasters that he had to locate the key refineries. Erickson and his wealthy German business friends, he said, planned to build a huge oil refinery in neutral Sweden, safe from Allied bombers. This plant, when running at peak capacity, could deliver all the oil Germany might need. If he went ahead with his plans, he explained, he would want an exclusive contract with the Germans. Erickson then pointed out that he had few friends in Sweden because of his long association and loyalty to Nazi Germany. He also pointed out to the Gestapo chief that his name was on the Allied blacklist, a fact that Himmler already knew and one that endeared Erickson to his cold heart. As they talked, Himmler came quickly to believe that Erickson was an opportunist who had thrown in his lot with the Germans after they had scored lightning success through blitzkrieg invasions. He was also impressed in the detailed blueprints for the proposed Swedish oil refinery that Erickson had taken pains to prepare and submit for examination. Erickson then explained that, before he and his partners put up their millions to build the plant, he would have to inspect present oil refineries and receive from experts and technicians in the field, all important information on operations in order to better build a highly productive refinery. Himmler authorized Erickson to travel anywhere in the Reich or occupied territories, to investigate any oil refinery operation he wanted to see, and to get from experts any information he desired in preparation of building the proposed refinery in Sweden. He was also given an order signed by Hitler that provided automobiles for Erickson . Erickson was shocked to run into a man he thought long dead, a German oil executive he had formerly known . He told the Nazi that it was simply good business to have joined the Germans, and that he was a businessman first and always. He told the man that he had been on the Allied blacklist for years after establishing friendships with German Nazis. He then played his trump card, showing him his newly-signed Gestapo papers, which bore the name of Heinrich Himmler .This seemed to convince the Nazi that Erickson, was, indeed, to be trusted.In the months to follow, the intrepid spy toured almost every major oil refinery in Germany and the occupied countries. He obtained detailed plans of oil operations and these quickly wound up in the hands of the OSS, MI6, and, subsequently, the Allied air forces, which then bombed the refineries out of existence. Lack of oil caused the surrender of more than 300,000 German troops in the Ruhr Valley, the last real threat in the West against the Allies. Following the war, General Dwight D. Eisenhower attributed the Allied victory to the destruction of the German oil industry and almost all of the credit for that destruction was due to one man, Eric Erickson.
This is a suspense thriller full of tension , agonisingly intriguing and entertainment. Frequently riveting but overlong , it results to be a magnificent film. There are tremendous acting from the main protagonists as Holden and Palmer . Furthermore , splendid support cast from Germany as Klaus Kinski , Wolfgang Preiss, Werner Peters ,Schuman ; from Denmark as Reichhardt and from Sweden as Palme. Sensible and stirring musical score by the classic Alfred Newman . Colorful cinematography by the French Jean Bourgoin .The producers wish to express their gratitude to the city government of Stockholm , Copenhagen , Hamburg and West Berlin whose cooperation made it possible to photograph the authentic locales in the re-creation of this true story. The motion picture is stunningly directed by George Seaton. Professional and polish writer and director who occasionally rose well above his average standard and was twice rewarded with Academy Award for so making . Seaton formed a partnership with William Perlberg , was to produce all Seaton's movies for several years. Both of them produced and directed the following successes as ¨Miracle on 34th Street¨, ¨The country girl¨, a monster Box office as ¨Airport¨ , another unusual War film as ¨36 hours¨ and of course ¨Counterfeit traitor¨.
Based on true events , Erickson spied on German synthetic oil plants for the American OSS in World War II. At the outbreak of World War II, Erickson offered his services to the United States. Pretending that he was a Nazi, Erickson visited Germany more than 30 times between 1939 and 1945.Working with a few German industrialists and businessmen who were part of the conspiracy. He and his women accomplice were arrested. The woman, however, had been under suspicion as being a spy. The Germans concluded that Erickson was simply a businessman seeking sexual gratification but the woman was a spy. The Allies stepped up their bombing of Germany and Nazi-occupied countries in 1943, but had difficulty in locating the oil refineries that kept Hitler's war machine moving. Erickson was told by his OSS spymasters that he had to locate the key refineries. Erickson and his wealthy German business friends, he said, planned to build a huge oil refinery in neutral Sweden, safe from Allied bombers. This plant, when running at peak capacity, could deliver all the oil Germany might need. If he went ahead with his plans, he explained, he would want an exclusive contract with the Germans. Erickson then pointed out that he had few friends in Sweden because of his long association and loyalty to Nazi Germany. He also pointed out to the Gestapo chief that his name was on the Allied blacklist, a fact that Himmler already knew and one that endeared Erickson to his cold heart. As they talked, Himmler came quickly to believe that Erickson was an opportunist who had thrown in his lot with the Germans after they had scored lightning success through blitzkrieg invasions. He was also impressed in the detailed blueprints for the proposed Swedish oil refinery that Erickson had taken pains to prepare and submit for examination. Erickson then explained that, before he and his partners put up their millions to build the plant, he would have to inspect present oil refineries and receive from experts and technicians in the field, all important information on operations in order to better build a highly productive refinery. Himmler authorized Erickson to travel anywhere in the Reich or occupied territories, to investigate any oil refinery operation he wanted to see, and to get from experts any information he desired in preparation of building the proposed refinery in Sweden. He was also given an order signed by Hitler that provided automobiles for Erickson . Erickson was shocked to run into a man he thought long dead, a German oil executive he had formerly known . He told the Nazi that it was simply good business to have joined the Germans, and that he was a businessman first and always. He told the man that he had been on the Allied blacklist for years after establishing friendships with German Nazis. He then played his trump card, showing him his newly-signed Gestapo papers, which bore the name of Heinrich Himmler .This seemed to convince the Nazi that Erickson, was, indeed, to be trusted.In the months to follow, the intrepid spy toured almost every major oil refinery in Germany and the occupied countries. He obtained detailed plans of oil operations and these quickly wound up in the hands of the OSS, MI6, and, subsequently, the Allied air forces, which then bombed the refineries out of existence. Lack of oil caused the surrender of more than 300,000 German troops in the Ruhr Valley, the last real threat in the West against the Allies. Following the war, General Dwight D. Eisenhower attributed the Allied victory to the destruction of the German oil industry and almost all of the credit for that destruction was due to one man, Eric Erickson.
Sobering to a remarkable degree..
Nazi_Fighter_David16 December 2002
Warning: Spoilers
Born in Brooklyn, Eric Erickson (William Holden) is a naturalized Swedish businessman neutral enough to deal with both the Germans and Allies, until he discovers his name on a published list of Nazi sympathizers...
Shocked and angry, he soon discovers that his inclusion on that list is a device to force him to work for British Intelligence whose representative, a sarcastic Collins (Hugh Griffith), he meets at the Stockholm Grand Hotel...
Collins not only admits the blackmail, but compounds it by having the conversation taped to enforce Eric's cooperation, since the Swedes strongly value their neutrality...
Disarmed as well as astonished by Collins' cynicism, Eric has to agree to become a spy, while the spy master, between courses of his luncheon, admits he would 'deal with thieves, liars, procurers, traitors, and sluts' to get the job done...
Not only must Eric supply information on the German oil industry, he also has to act the part of someone on the Allied blacklist...
Despite his real sympathies, Eric must make spiteful remarks about the Allies, and more importantly, has to drop sneering remarks about Jews and to insult publicly his Jewish best friend within hearing of the German ambassador...
The friendship with the Third Reich's diplomat is needed to secure official sanction for Eric's plan to construct German oil refineries in Swedenthe means by which he is to secure the information the Allies want... Eric not only humors the optimal negotiator, he also promises him a share in the company he is forming and charmingly pays him the money lost in weekly bridge games...
Eric begins his frequent business trips to Germany with a gala reception during which he makes contact with another agent, an irresistible woman with whom he is to pretend to have an affair, Mariana (Lilli Palmer).
Mariana, wife of a high-ranking German officer, is both an idealist and an efficient spy... She would embrace and kiss Eric for the sake of any Gestapo man trailing them and then shake hands before getting down to the business of encoding messages... Her shock at Eric's selfish reasons for being a spy contrasted with her own, a firmly loyal belief in the Catholic religion to fight the Anti-Christ, Hitler... In perhaps the film's most moving scene, she tells Eric that 'one must not think of the war simply in terms of hundreds of tanks and thousand of planes and units of men, like some sort of wrestling match on a gigantic scale... but in terms of a single truck on its way to a concentration camp and what's shivering inside in.'
Unlike many other spy films set during the war, 'The Counterfeit Traitor' stressed the personal and emotional cost of espionage: Eric, the spy-against-his-will, had not only to forsake his wife and friends who were upset by his apparent Nazi sympathies, he had also to witness Nazi atrocities...
George Seaton's 'The Counterfeit Traitor' is sobering to a remarkable degree, mostly when Marianne discovers she has given her confession not to a priest; the questioning of Eric in Berlin's basement cell; Hitler Youth member Hans Holtz stealing Eric's briefcase with incriminating letter; and Eric's confrontation with Gestapo man Jaeger...
Shocked and angry, he soon discovers that his inclusion on that list is a device to force him to work for British Intelligence whose representative, a sarcastic Collins (Hugh Griffith), he meets at the Stockholm Grand Hotel...
Collins not only admits the blackmail, but compounds it by having the conversation taped to enforce Eric's cooperation, since the Swedes strongly value their neutrality...
Disarmed as well as astonished by Collins' cynicism, Eric has to agree to become a spy, while the spy master, between courses of his luncheon, admits he would 'deal with thieves, liars, procurers, traitors, and sluts' to get the job done...
Not only must Eric supply information on the German oil industry, he also has to act the part of someone on the Allied blacklist...
Despite his real sympathies, Eric must make spiteful remarks about the Allies, and more importantly, has to drop sneering remarks about Jews and to insult publicly his Jewish best friend within hearing of the German ambassador...
The friendship with the Third Reich's diplomat is needed to secure official sanction for Eric's plan to construct German oil refineries in Swedenthe means by which he is to secure the information the Allies want... Eric not only humors the optimal negotiator, he also promises him a share in the company he is forming and charmingly pays him the money lost in weekly bridge games...
Eric begins his frequent business trips to Germany with a gala reception during which he makes contact with another agent, an irresistible woman with whom he is to pretend to have an affair, Mariana (Lilli Palmer).
Mariana, wife of a high-ranking German officer, is both an idealist and an efficient spy... She would embrace and kiss Eric for the sake of any Gestapo man trailing them and then shake hands before getting down to the business of encoding messages... Her shock at Eric's selfish reasons for being a spy contrasted with her own, a firmly loyal belief in the Catholic religion to fight the Anti-Christ, Hitler... In perhaps the film's most moving scene, she tells Eric that 'one must not think of the war simply in terms of hundreds of tanks and thousand of planes and units of men, like some sort of wrestling match on a gigantic scale... but in terms of a single truck on its way to a concentration camp and what's shivering inside in.'
Unlike many other spy films set during the war, 'The Counterfeit Traitor' stressed the personal and emotional cost of espionage: Eric, the spy-against-his-will, had not only to forsake his wife and friends who were upset by his apparent Nazi sympathies, he had also to witness Nazi atrocities...
George Seaton's 'The Counterfeit Traitor' is sobering to a remarkable degree, mostly when Marianne discovers she has given her confession not to a priest; the questioning of Eric in Berlin's basement cell; Hitler Youth member Hans Holtz stealing Eric's briefcase with incriminating letter; and Eric's confrontation with Gestapo man Jaeger...
The Swedish Agent
bkoganbing16 August 2007
One of my favorite William Holden performances is in The Counterfeit Traitor where Holden plays an American born Swedish businessman who agrees to spy for British Intelligence after a bit of blackmail.
The offer he can't refuse comes after Holden is put on a list of undesirable businessmen who are doing business with the Germans. Holden is American born, but became a Swedish subject after deciding he would be working and living out of Stockholm. By agreeing to spy Holden will get cleared after the Allies win the war presumably.
Holden proves to be quite useful to the Allies giving them all kinds of information about where Nazi war production is so it can be targeted by Allied bombing. Of course each trip from Sweden to Germany brings new risk as the Gestapo is cracking down on traitors.
One of his contacts is Lilli Palmer, a prominent society woman with whom he begins an affair. Palmer was a refugee herself from Nazi Germany and she brings that dimension to her part that can't be imitated.
Alfred Hitchcock probably could have made this film a classic, still and all George Seaton who wrote and directed can't be faulted for the job he did. Holden and Seaton had worked well together before in The Country Girl and Seaton gets good performances from him and the rest of the cast.
Hugh Griffith is very good as the cynical British agent who is Holden's contact who is not above using any means to defeat the Nazis. I also liked Werner Peters the German actor who played a really terrific variety of Nazi types throughout the Sixties and who is suspicious of Holden from the gitgo.
But the best scenes in the film involve young Helo Gutschwager who is the son of one of Holden's German contacts and a true believing member of the Hitler Youth. First Holden to escape and then Gestapo agent Stefan Schnabel to apprehend Holden play some real mind games on this kid who has grown up with Hitler the only reality he knows.
The Counterfeit Traitor is one fine espionage film and definitely in the top ten of William Holden's performances.
The offer he can't refuse comes after Holden is put on a list of undesirable businessmen who are doing business with the Germans. Holden is American born, but became a Swedish subject after deciding he would be working and living out of Stockholm. By agreeing to spy Holden will get cleared after the Allies win the war presumably.
Holden proves to be quite useful to the Allies giving them all kinds of information about where Nazi war production is so it can be targeted by Allied bombing. Of course each trip from Sweden to Germany brings new risk as the Gestapo is cracking down on traitors.
One of his contacts is Lilli Palmer, a prominent society woman with whom he begins an affair. Palmer was a refugee herself from Nazi Germany and she brings that dimension to her part that can't be imitated.
Alfred Hitchcock probably could have made this film a classic, still and all George Seaton who wrote and directed can't be faulted for the job he did. Holden and Seaton had worked well together before in The Country Girl and Seaton gets good performances from him and the rest of the cast.
Hugh Griffith is very good as the cynical British agent who is Holden's contact who is not above using any means to defeat the Nazis. I also liked Werner Peters the German actor who played a really terrific variety of Nazi types throughout the Sixties and who is suspicious of Holden from the gitgo.
But the best scenes in the film involve young Helo Gutschwager who is the son of one of Holden's German contacts and a true believing member of the Hitler Youth. First Holden to escape and then Gestapo agent Stefan Schnabel to apprehend Holden play some real mind games on this kid who has grown up with Hitler the only reality he knows.
The Counterfeit Traitor is one fine espionage film and definitely in the top ten of William Holden's performances.
Good, old-fashioned spy film, with impressive performances and plenty of real suspense.
barnabyrudge9 September 2004
Although unappealingly long - 140 minutes to be precise - The Counterfeit Traitor turns out to be an absorbing, disturbing and rather exciting wartime suspense film. It gives William Holden his second-best role of the '60s (surpassed only by his work in The Wild Bunch) and provides good subsidiary roles for Lilli Palmer, Hugh Griffith and Ernst Schroeder.
Holden is terrific as a Swedish citizen born in the USA, named Eric Erickson. Erickson is a businessman trading oil from his Stockholm HQ during WWII. Many of his customers are Germans, and quite often he goes on business trips to war-torn Germany leaving the sanctuary of neutral Sweden behind. The British secret service approach him and plead for him to act as a spy, gathering sensitive information for them during his seemingly legitimate trips. Matters are complicated when Erickson meets fellow spy Marianne Mollendorf (Lilli Palmer), with whom he soon falls in love. His mission is seriously jeopardised when her spying antics are exposed, and she is seized by the Gestapo and taken away to be executed.
The film is well-made by ever-reliable director George Seaton. Seaton also wrote the screenplay, basing it on an Alexander Klein book, and he must be given credit for fashioning a thoroughly believable and suspenseful story. The film is shot on actual North European locations, and the use of real backdrops - as opposed to the usual studio lensing favoured by Hollywood in the early '60s - adds to the film's authentic flavour. Nowadays, the appeal of this kind of film is sadly limited, but if you have an affinity for this kind of stuff, then The Counterfeit Traitor is definitely a title worth tracking down.
Holden is terrific as a Swedish citizen born in the USA, named Eric Erickson. Erickson is a businessman trading oil from his Stockholm HQ during WWII. Many of his customers are Germans, and quite often he goes on business trips to war-torn Germany leaving the sanctuary of neutral Sweden behind. The British secret service approach him and plead for him to act as a spy, gathering sensitive information for them during his seemingly legitimate trips. Matters are complicated when Erickson meets fellow spy Marianne Mollendorf (Lilli Palmer), with whom he soon falls in love. His mission is seriously jeopardised when her spying antics are exposed, and she is seized by the Gestapo and taken away to be executed.
The film is well-made by ever-reliable director George Seaton. Seaton also wrote the screenplay, basing it on an Alexander Klein book, and he must be given credit for fashioning a thoroughly believable and suspenseful story. The film is shot on actual North European locations, and the use of real backdrops - as opposed to the usual studio lensing favoured by Hollywood in the early '60s - adds to the film's authentic flavour. Nowadays, the appeal of this kind of film is sadly limited, but if you have an affinity for this kind of stuff, then The Counterfeit Traitor is definitely a title worth tracking down.
Holden is Great
ali-reza.kasra4 September 2001
Last night I saw Executive Suite with William Holden and Fredrich March. I expected it to be a great movie and it was. Tonight I noticed AMC is playing another Holden movie entitled Counterfeit Traitor. I watched it and it turned out to be grippy and suspenseful and Holden was great. I have seen great films with Holden including Picnic, Bridge on the River Kwai and Sunset Boulevard. This was supposed to be one of his inferior work, but I actually liked it better than some of his better known films. It's too bad that at the end of his career he made movies such as Omen II and Ashtani. In any case, he was fabulous here and I am looking forward to see other films with him.
decent overlooked WWII flick
rupie12 July 1999
A pretty engrossing film based on a real character and true events. Holden is excellent, as is Lilli Palmer. A somewhat slow start, but picks up fairly quickly. The ending takes a tad long to unwind. Technicolor is so superior to the color techniques used today; the movie is great to look at. Also, a good portrayal of the atmosphere of life in totalitarian Germany. Thank you, American Movie Classics for showing us this one.
Classic Wartime Suspense Film
jacksflicks14 October 2001
This one's a classic and a popular TV late show feature, and with good reason: as other comments have suggested, it's a film to see over and over.
Beautifully photographed and well acted, directed and scripted, Counterfeit Traitor is a notable exception to the general decline in quality of the studio system product of the fifties and sixties.
William Holden is ideally cast as an everyman caught up in extraordinary circumstances. The rest of the cast is wonderful - vivid, even eccentric, but never over the top - and I include here a bit by then-unknown Klaus Kinski and an array of, with one exception, uniformly nasty Nazis. Even the conventional love interest between Holden and Lilli Palmer doesn't intrude on the action and fits nicely into the plot.
Since much of Counterfeit Traitor was filmed on location it's also a treat to see European stars we seldom get to see in domestic films, particularly the great Danish actor Poul Reichhardt as a fishing boat captain.
If you see Counterfeit Traitor on your (preferably commercial-free) movie channel line-up and have never seen it, stop being one of the few who haven't!
Beautifully photographed and well acted, directed and scripted, Counterfeit Traitor is a notable exception to the general decline in quality of the studio system product of the fifties and sixties.
William Holden is ideally cast as an everyman caught up in extraordinary circumstances. The rest of the cast is wonderful - vivid, even eccentric, but never over the top - and I include here a bit by then-unknown Klaus Kinski and an array of, with one exception, uniformly nasty Nazis. Even the conventional love interest between Holden and Lilli Palmer doesn't intrude on the action and fits nicely into the plot.
Since much of Counterfeit Traitor was filmed on location it's also a treat to see European stars we seldom get to see in domestic films, particularly the great Danish actor Poul Reichhardt as a fishing boat captain.
If you see Counterfeit Traitor on your (preferably commercial-free) movie channel line-up and have never seen it, stop being one of the few who haven't!
Intelligent spy film, nearly great
zevt16 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
A very good spy thriller despite its age. Its treatment of the Germans, the Allies and the love affair is surprisingly sophisticated with many shades of gray and many interesting characters and an unexpected ending to the love affair. Based on a true story, it tells the tale of an American-born Swedish citizen who is coerced into spying for the allies and who soon adopts the cause for other reasons. The spy-craft, and the many deceptions and tricks are quite believable.
But for some reason I wasn't accepting the movie as the flawless work that it seemed to be, and found it difficult to define why, at first.
For one thing, the constant narration is pretty annoying. They should have just shown the story instead of having him feed us the story.
Holden, as Erickson, seemed a bit flat as a character. But then it struck me: I just couldn't tune in to him as a character because I could not understand his motivations. They portray him as a cold businessman at first, coerced into spying, yet he acts way way beyond someone who has been blackmailed. I could not understand why he not only fully co-operated at first, but even contributed beyond the minimum and never looked for a way out.
As another example of strange behaviour, he could have treated his friend differently after the staged betrayal was performed for the Nazis, and after he proved himself a loyal friend. But he just followed his instructions blindly even though there was no danger. In fact, he could have avoided danger by telling him it was an act, seeing as his friend didn't believe him anyways.
They also used the blackmail trick a bit too often on many characters, and I never understood why they all gave in so easily. I thought of several ways they could have found a way out so why couldn't they try as well?
In short, these behaviour flaws bothered me. But it's definitely worth a watch nevertheless, and it may even impress you as a forgotten classic.
But for some reason I wasn't accepting the movie as the flawless work that it seemed to be, and found it difficult to define why, at first.
For one thing, the constant narration is pretty annoying. They should have just shown the story instead of having him feed us the story.
Holden, as Erickson, seemed a bit flat as a character. But then it struck me: I just couldn't tune in to him as a character because I could not understand his motivations. They portray him as a cold businessman at first, coerced into spying, yet he acts way way beyond someone who has been blackmailed. I could not understand why he not only fully co-operated at first, but even contributed beyond the minimum and never looked for a way out.
As another example of strange behaviour, he could have treated his friend differently after the staged betrayal was performed for the Nazis, and after he proved himself a loyal friend. But he just followed his instructions blindly even though there was no danger. In fact, he could have avoided danger by telling him it was an act, seeing as his friend didn't believe him anyways.
They also used the blackmail trick a bit too often on many characters, and I never understood why they all gave in so easily. I thought of several ways they could have found a way out so why couldn't they try as well?
In short, these behaviour flaws bothered me. But it's definitely worth a watch nevertheless, and it may even impress you as a forgotten classic.
Damn Good Film
paulk-64 September 2001
I started watching this movie because I like European locations and, in general, movies that were made in the early 1960s.
After about 15 minutes into the movie, I was hooked. By the end of the movie, I decided this was one of the best WWII films I've ever seen.
American Movie Classics played a brief comment at the conclusion mentioning that Lilli Palmer had escaped Germany just prior to Hitler's rule and that the real Eric Erickson was present during the filming. Apparently, Ms. Palmer's final scene in the movie was shot at the same location that the incident actually occurred. The story goes that she was so emotional before shooting that scene, she was shaking. After that scene was completed, she received a standing ovation from the film crew.
The realism shows through in more than just that one scene. I highly recommend this movie.
After about 15 minutes into the movie, I was hooked. By the end of the movie, I decided this was one of the best WWII films I've ever seen.
American Movie Classics played a brief comment at the conclusion mentioning that Lilli Palmer had escaped Germany just prior to Hitler's rule and that the real Eric Erickson was present during the filming. Apparently, Ms. Palmer's final scene in the movie was shot at the same location that the incident actually occurred. The story goes that she was so emotional before shooting that scene, she was shaking. After that scene was completed, she received a standing ovation from the film crew.
The realism shows through in more than just that one scene. I highly recommend this movie.
compelling real spy story
SnoopyStyle23 July 2015
It's WWII. Former American Eric Erickson (William Holden) is blacklisted by the US for importing oil from Germany while living in neutral Sweden. He gave up his US Citizenship back in 1930. He's approached by Collins to spy on the Germans in exchange for getting out of the blacklist. He comes up with a fantasy to build refineries in Sweden for Germany to infiltrate the Nazi world using his friend Baron von Oldenburg. Collins keeps pushing him to gather intel and recruit others. He is surprised to find his contact in Germany is the Nazi fanatic Marianne Möllendorf. He recruits the Baron by blackmailing him through his POW son in Russia. He recruits refinery manager Otto Holtz by giving him a letter despite his fanatical young boy. Wilhelm Kortner discovers his espionage but Eric turns the table and blackmails him instead.
It's based on the real Eric Erickson. It has some interesting espionage bits and some great scenes. I would really like to lose the narration although I understand the need to explain his inner thoughts. There is just too much narration especially in the beginning and it doesn't stop. It's also a long movie that could be tightened up. It needs to maintain a higher level of tension all the way through. However the real spy story is very compelling and the movie is able to translate some of that onto the screen.
It's based on the real Eric Erickson. It has some interesting espionage bits and some great scenes. I would really like to lose the narration although I understand the need to explain his inner thoughts. There is just too much narration especially in the beginning and it doesn't stop. It's also a long movie that could be tightened up. It needs to maintain a higher level of tension all the way through. However the real spy story is very compelling and the movie is able to translate some of that onto the screen.
The Counterfeit Traitor - One of the Greats
irarubenstein200019 May 2006
Wanted to set the record straight on 1 of the reviewer's retelling of one of the most important scenes. I call this scene the epiphanny scene, because William Holden's entire perspective changes after hearing Lilli Palmer's reasons why she has become a spy (Palmer)"He (Hitler) is the anti-Christ and I am a Christian". (Holden): But your religion also tells you to love your enemy!" (Palmer): I said I was a Christian, not a saint!. .... (Palmer again)"You businessmen are all alike, thinking this war is one grand chess match. Try to think of it as one small truck going off to a concentration camp and those who are shivering inside." (Holden) "I feel for those people" (Palmer)"Yes, but not WITH them, that's the difference. But someday you might. You'll see a man, a complete stranger being bullied and beaten and in that instant, he'll become your brother" (Holden)" I don't know if you are wise or just foolish, but your husband, (who cheated on her) must be an idiot"
How cold can one war be? Can you spare a friend?
michaelRokeefe27 October 2001
Authentic backgrounds and based on a true story. William Holden plays a very influential Swedish oil executive blackmailed into becoming a double agent running info between the Allies and Nazi headquarters. Holden falls in love with one of his contacts Lilli Palmer in between dangerous missions. Holden in one of his finest performances.
Other notable cast members are: Hugh Griffith, Ernst Schroder and Klaus Kinski. Running time is a little over two hours, but the realism and locales make for a time worth spent.
Other notable cast members are: Hugh Griffith, Ernst Schroder and Klaus Kinski. Running time is a little over two hours, but the realism and locales make for a time worth spent.
Masterpiece!
Bluetrain6714 August 2004
I never tire of watching this great WWII spy/romance film. In my opinion, it is the single greatest World War II spy film ever made. It truly captures the danger, uneasiness, and on-the-edge drama of the life of a spy. William Holden is brilliant as Eric Erickson, the reluctant spy, and his story totally captivates us. It makes one wonder how many other stories like this one occurred during the war. The scene where the character of Hans Holtz (young Nazi boy who wants to turn Erickson in to the authorities) is truly riveting. When the film is over you wish there were more. If anyone can tell me the titles of any similar films, I would appreciate it. William Holden has to be the greatest actor of his generation!
Classic World War II spy drama well worth watching...
Doylenf26 August 2006
When I hear the title THE COUNTERFEIT TRAITOR, I immediately think of my father because he often said it was his favorite spy film.
Seeing it, years later, I understand why. WILLIAM HOLDEN was in the middle of a winning streak of films at this time and establishing a secure foothold on his reputation as one of Hollywood's finest actors.
Since his role requires him to start as a cynical character, before he becomes convinced of the justness of his cause, it's a role that might well have gone to someone like HUMPHREY BOGART. But Holden, fortunately, got the part of the Swedish oil merchant who, through extortion and blackmail, is chosen by HUGH GRIFFITH to act as a spy against the Nazis in Denmark.
He does so, unwillingly at first, but gradually, through his meeting with another spy, LILI PALMER (in one of her best roles), comes to see things the way she does. The moment Palmer comes into the film, the plot thickens and interest mounts. The final result is a spy film that is truly mesmerizing, able to get a powerful grip on your heart and emotions, full of colorful action and intrigue.
Stunning location photography in and around Copenhagen is a plus factor, as is the rousing score by Alfred Newman. Holden has never been more persuasive in a role that fits him like a glove.
Taken from a true-life story, espionage tales don't come any better than this.
Seeing it, years later, I understand why. WILLIAM HOLDEN was in the middle of a winning streak of films at this time and establishing a secure foothold on his reputation as one of Hollywood's finest actors.
Since his role requires him to start as a cynical character, before he becomes convinced of the justness of his cause, it's a role that might well have gone to someone like HUMPHREY BOGART. But Holden, fortunately, got the part of the Swedish oil merchant who, through extortion and blackmail, is chosen by HUGH GRIFFITH to act as a spy against the Nazis in Denmark.
He does so, unwillingly at first, but gradually, through his meeting with another spy, LILI PALMER (in one of her best roles), comes to see things the way she does. The moment Palmer comes into the film, the plot thickens and interest mounts. The final result is a spy film that is truly mesmerizing, able to get a powerful grip on your heart and emotions, full of colorful action and intrigue.
Stunning location photography in and around Copenhagen is a plus factor, as is the rousing score by Alfred Newman. Holden has never been more persuasive in a role that fits him like a glove.
Taken from a true-life story, espionage tales don't come any better than this.
A True Classic in Espionage Films
ragosaal29 September 2006
This film is based in real facts. Though he doesn't particularly agree with the Nazis Eric Erickson (William Holden) is a successful Swedish oil business man with commercial links with Germany during World War II. His activity allows Erickson to travel constantly between Stockholm and Berlin and he has important friends in Hitler's circle. British Intelligence sees the opportunity to use him as a spy and they blacklist him to force him to take the job.
Actual locations in Europe, a very skillfully handled script and a first rate cast make this film one of the best in its genre. The point is that "The Counterfait Traitor" lasts 2 hours and 20 minutes and it doesn't have a single uninteresting sequence. Tension and intrigue are always there and it doesn't lack drama and action either. It has it all.
The cast is outstanding. Holden's performance is quite solid and natural. Lilli Palmer is most convincing as Marianne Mollendorf -Holden's contact in Germany- who revolves the man's traditional ideas on war and neutrality as well as on his matrimony. Hugh Griffith, not far away from his Oscar winning performance in "Ben Hur" (1959) renders here a superb work as Collins the intelligence Britsh member that traps Holden.
You should see this film if you didn't whether you like espionage films or not. It has something interesting for everyone. It's a 10 out of 10 for me; I still can't find any weaknesses or flaws in it.
Actual locations in Europe, a very skillfully handled script and a first rate cast make this film one of the best in its genre. The point is that "The Counterfait Traitor" lasts 2 hours and 20 minutes and it doesn't have a single uninteresting sequence. Tension and intrigue are always there and it doesn't lack drama and action either. It has it all.
The cast is outstanding. Holden's performance is quite solid and natural. Lilli Palmer is most convincing as Marianne Mollendorf -Holden's contact in Germany- who revolves the man's traditional ideas on war and neutrality as well as on his matrimony. Hugh Griffith, not far away from his Oscar winning performance in "Ben Hur" (1959) renders here a superb work as Collins the intelligence Britsh member that traps Holden.
You should see this film if you didn't whether you like espionage films or not. It has something interesting for everyone. It's a 10 out of 10 for me; I still can't find any weaknesses or flaws in it.
Great first half, moderate second
mformoviesandmore22 November 2013
In the first part of the movie we see Holden taking centre stage and his dry calm manner is a superb way of showing the true horrors of war - caused by normal men involved in horrendous events in a normal way.
The pacing is masterful and the actions and plot are very believable.
Unfortunately the movie unravels as it runs and becomes a soppy run-of- the-mill escape film with the usual characters and poorly delivered performances
I would give the first part of the film an 8 and the last third or so a 6 so it earns a seven from me. It is a pity that the team didn't maintain the level they started with and produce a masterpiece.
The pacing is masterful and the actions and plot are very believable.
Unfortunately the movie unravels as it runs and becomes a soppy run-of- the-mill escape film with the usual characters and poorly delivered performances
I would give the first part of the film an 8 and the last third or so a 6 so it earns a seven from me. It is a pity that the team didn't maintain the level they started with and produce a masterpiece.
A wonderful World War Two story
dhitman12 June 2005
The picture captures the true feeling of the war and the heroic attempt of a few people to contribute to the destruction of a dictatorship.
The line " you can read about a hundred atrocities, hear about a thousand, but you only have to see one" will always stay with me.
I wonder why Eric Erickson has not been mentioned in history as a hero of World War Two? He was very similar to Oscar Shindler. I would hope that the real story of Eric Erickson is told some day.
Lilli Palmer was wonderful and injected the reality of the war inside Germany throughout the picture. She was the most believable of all the characters. The scenes in the prison and her character's death were very realistic and left you with how helpless they were under the Nazi regime.
Next to " The Bridge On The River Kwai" this is William Holden's best picture.
The line " you can read about a hundred atrocities, hear about a thousand, but you only have to see one" will always stay with me.
I wonder why Eric Erickson has not been mentioned in history as a hero of World War Two? He was very similar to Oscar Shindler. I would hope that the real story of Eric Erickson is told some day.
Lilli Palmer was wonderful and injected the reality of the war inside Germany throughout the picture. She was the most believable of all the characters. The scenes in the prison and her character's death were very realistic and left you with how helpless they were under the Nazi regime.
Next to " The Bridge On The River Kwai" this is William Holden's best picture.
Engrossing despite itself.
jemmytee6 November 2004
I'm torn over this movie. I remembered seeing it years ago on TV and was blown away by it, so when I saw the DVD was available, I bought it. And despite remembering basically what happens through the movie, I still found myself engrossed in it. But it took some doing, that's for sure.
To begin with, it now irritates the hell out of me to see a movie that is set in the forties having women dressed in modern clothes, even though I know it was common in the 50's and 60's for movies to do that (up to BONNIE & CLYDE, basically). The worst example of this is IN HARM'S WAY, that has one woman in a near mini skirt even though it's supposed to be taking place the night before Pearl Harbor. Well, you got that in this one -- Lillie Palmer decked out in the latest fashions of 1962, even though the movie's set twenty years earlier. It's a glaring fault that makes it hard to take the story seriously.
Second is the incessant voice over that tells us what we're seeing and how we should be feeling about it. Hate that.
Third is the complete lack of chemistry between Lilli Palmer and William Holden, both of whom have been bright and sexy in other roles. I don't know what the problem was, but they act more like they can barely stand each other than as the romantic leads.
I think the fault lies mainly with George Seaton, the director. He is a GREAT writer...but as a director he does not understand his scripts and cannot seem to shape them into anything that approaches the hyper-reality of great cinema. I keep thinking of what Alfred Hitchcock could have done with this story, how sexy and scary it would have been.
But that's wishful thinking, and even with these flaws, the truth of the story builds and captures you and intensifies and provide some powerful moments. I was engrossed, despite myself. Here's a good movie ripe for a remake with an international cast done by someone like Spielberg or Weir. No counterfeit directors, those two; the only one is the one who directed THIS movie.
To begin with, it now irritates the hell out of me to see a movie that is set in the forties having women dressed in modern clothes, even though I know it was common in the 50's and 60's for movies to do that (up to BONNIE & CLYDE, basically). The worst example of this is IN HARM'S WAY, that has one woman in a near mini skirt even though it's supposed to be taking place the night before Pearl Harbor. Well, you got that in this one -- Lillie Palmer decked out in the latest fashions of 1962, even though the movie's set twenty years earlier. It's a glaring fault that makes it hard to take the story seriously.
Second is the incessant voice over that tells us what we're seeing and how we should be feeling about it. Hate that.
Third is the complete lack of chemistry between Lilli Palmer and William Holden, both of whom have been bright and sexy in other roles. I don't know what the problem was, but they act more like they can barely stand each other than as the romantic leads.
I think the fault lies mainly with George Seaton, the director. He is a GREAT writer...but as a director he does not understand his scripts and cannot seem to shape them into anything that approaches the hyper-reality of great cinema. I keep thinking of what Alfred Hitchcock could have done with this story, how sexy and scary it would have been.
But that's wishful thinking, and even with these flaws, the truth of the story builds and captures you and intensifies and provide some powerful moments. I was engrossed, despite myself. Here's a good movie ripe for a remake with an international cast done by someone like Spielberg or Weir. No counterfeit directors, those two; the only one is the one who directed THIS movie.
Excellent and Spellbinding
kitty-4025 July 1999
There really isn't much more to say except this gripping portrayal by Holden and Palmer is well worth the watching. Without exception the actors gave a fine performance, but the true heroes are the real people who risked their lives during WWll. Thank you AMC for bringing us this superb, often under rated film.
Real locations help!
JohnHowardReid23 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
NOTES: The real-life Eric Erickson was 72 when the film was released, living in "quiet retirement" in Sweden and on the Riviera. He was re-instated in the eyes of his family and friends at a luncheon in his honor in Stockholm on 4 June 1945. Erickson told reporters in 1962 that he still carried in his wallet a photo of Marianne Mollendorf.
Location scenes filmed in West Berlin, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and coastal villages of Sweden and Denmark.
PRINCIPAL MIRACLE: A real-life story filmed without any major distortions.
COMMENT: A well-produced and reasonably exciting spy thriller, which could have been even more forcefully dramatic given sharper playing - especially by the male lead - and more stylish direction.
Oddly, none of my American colleagues agree with the above exceptions. All think Holden's performance extremely able, Seaton's direction sharp and vibrant. Not until I read the overseas reviews did I find myself no longer the odd critic out. It's not just simply that Holden plays Holden rather than Erickson, but that his performance for the most part is so tired, jaded, flat and shallow. Rarely does Holden bring Erickson to life. More often he is just an actor who has memorized his lines but mouths them with little expression and no conviction.
As a director, Seaton can certainly stage his scenes competently, but he seems to go out of his way to avoid the extra punch of atmosphere and style. With Seaton, the script's the thing. He feels his immortal words need no embellishments. Certainly there is a bit of occasional action, but the dialogue scenes are all played slowly, methodically and monotonously. I'm mighty sick of the sight and sound of most of the players by journey's end. Particularly Hugh Griffith and Ernst Schroder. Those players I still like - Wolfgang Preiss as the Gestapo colonel and Charles Regnier as a German embassy official - have had the good sense not to out-stay their welcome. Even Lilli Palmer, fine actress though she generally is, gives an uneven account of herself here.
Seaton's problem as a director is that he's afraid to let himself go. Afraid to trim superfluous or long-winded dialogue, afraid to let his cameraman throw a few mood shadows across his actors' faces, afraid to fully utilize the scenic impact of his real locations, afraid to clap on the pace. To George Seaton, shears and shadows are the enemy.
OTHER VIEWS: Ingmar Bergman fans in particular and admirers of Swedish cinema in general are unlikely to be enamored of the cursory treatment accorded Ulf Palme and Eva Dahlbeck, whilst Klaus Kinski followers will be forced to wait a mighty long time to see their idol do a three-minute, no-dialogue stint (though it is one of the most memorable moments in the film). But then neither the Bergman nor Kinski cliques are likely to want to see The Counterfeit Traitor anyway. For $4½ million, neither the producer nor picturegoers seem to have gotten equivalent value for their money.
Nonetheless, this picturization of a real-life drama does maintain a high degree of suspense throughout the twists and turns of an often hair-raising plot. Real locations help authenticity, and the principal players (in particular Holden, Palmer and Griffith) come across with honor. - JHR writing as George Addison.
Location scenes filmed in West Berlin, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and coastal villages of Sweden and Denmark.
PRINCIPAL MIRACLE: A real-life story filmed without any major distortions.
COMMENT: A well-produced and reasonably exciting spy thriller, which could have been even more forcefully dramatic given sharper playing - especially by the male lead - and more stylish direction.
Oddly, none of my American colleagues agree with the above exceptions. All think Holden's performance extremely able, Seaton's direction sharp and vibrant. Not until I read the overseas reviews did I find myself no longer the odd critic out. It's not just simply that Holden plays Holden rather than Erickson, but that his performance for the most part is so tired, jaded, flat and shallow. Rarely does Holden bring Erickson to life. More often he is just an actor who has memorized his lines but mouths them with little expression and no conviction.
As a director, Seaton can certainly stage his scenes competently, but he seems to go out of his way to avoid the extra punch of atmosphere and style. With Seaton, the script's the thing. He feels his immortal words need no embellishments. Certainly there is a bit of occasional action, but the dialogue scenes are all played slowly, methodically and monotonously. I'm mighty sick of the sight and sound of most of the players by journey's end. Particularly Hugh Griffith and Ernst Schroder. Those players I still like - Wolfgang Preiss as the Gestapo colonel and Charles Regnier as a German embassy official - have had the good sense not to out-stay their welcome. Even Lilli Palmer, fine actress though she generally is, gives an uneven account of herself here.
Seaton's problem as a director is that he's afraid to let himself go. Afraid to trim superfluous or long-winded dialogue, afraid to let his cameraman throw a few mood shadows across his actors' faces, afraid to fully utilize the scenic impact of his real locations, afraid to clap on the pace. To George Seaton, shears and shadows are the enemy.
OTHER VIEWS: Ingmar Bergman fans in particular and admirers of Swedish cinema in general are unlikely to be enamored of the cursory treatment accorded Ulf Palme and Eva Dahlbeck, whilst Klaus Kinski followers will be forced to wait a mighty long time to see their idol do a three-minute, no-dialogue stint (though it is one of the most memorable moments in the film). But then neither the Bergman nor Kinski cliques are likely to want to see The Counterfeit Traitor anyway. For $4½ million, neither the producer nor picturegoers seem to have gotten equivalent value for their money.
Nonetheless, this picturization of a real-life drama does maintain a high degree of suspense throughout the twists and turns of an often hair-raising plot. Real locations help authenticity, and the principal players (in particular Holden, Palmer and Griffith) come across with honor. - JHR writing as George Addison.
Sobering-brutal-excellent-drama of WWII
Jrkrrdd15 April 2001
Movie of WWII era and William Holden's position as a business man caught up in the war. His dealings with Nazi Germany and the sorrow that war causes. You will never forget this movie once you see it. Should easily be in the top 50 of all time movies. Suspense packed movie after "groundwork" laid. Holden is brilliant. Suspenseful ending as well.
interesting,forgotten but worth watching.
ib011f9545i23 June 2021
This is the sort of film I like.
A world war 2 based spy film based on a true story.
I won't give plot spoilers but if you like 36 Hours or Decision Before Dawn you will like this film.
Holden and Palmer are great in this ,the whole film is well acted.
The locations look great and are well used.
I guess this film was not a big hit when it came out.
I wish it was easily available on dvd.
This is not an action however ,if you expect action and don't know much of the history of WW2 you will not like the film.
A world war 2 based spy film based on a true story.
I won't give plot spoilers but if you like 36 Hours or Decision Before Dawn you will like this film.
Holden and Palmer are great in this ,the whole film is well acted.
The locations look great and are well used.
I guess this film was not a big hit when it came out.
I wish it was easily available on dvd.
This is not an action however ,if you expect action and don't know much of the history of WW2 you will not like the film.
Be patient.
dbdumonteil27 March 2002
The beginning-the first third overall-is rather tedious ,with too much voice-over.No interesting character emerges and it essentially consists of William Holden's shuttling back and forth between Suede and Germany. One feels like calling it a day but wait....
The second third makes Lilli Palmer's character the center of the plot:a very interesting one,this German wealthy woman who betrays her country because of her Christian belief.This spy is not a routine femme fatale but a human being,who is smitten with remorse because the bombing which her informations allowed led to children's death.She has wonderful lines:"in a war,every victim becomes a brother".Two marvelous scenes:the first one ,probably the strongest in the whole movie,shows Palmer in a confessional,telling her sins to a man she thinks is a priest;the second one,she's to be shot in a jail,while Holden desperately tries,behind his bars, to say a last goodbye to her.Lilli Palmer's performance is moving,responsible and sensitive.
By the third part,no more Palmer,but the movie has hit its stride.Holden's return to Suede becomes an odyssey,with a lot of traps and his character has grown wiser and more human.He's able to show some compassion,probably the woman's influence.One of the most intriguing characters plays a small part now:a young boy,about 12,member of the Hitlerian Youth,proud of his uniform,he will make your hair stand on end.At the end of the movie,Holden has completely understood Palmer's line about the victims/brothers as the scene with Klaus Kinski testifies.
George Seaton has made an entertaining movie,which does not forget to ask questions and to moot responsibility.He does flay the nazi horrors,but he also puts the blame on the English agents ,stuffing themselves with lobster and sipping Champagne,while other people die unnoticed ,simply because the victims are their brothers.
The second third makes Lilli Palmer's character the center of the plot:a very interesting one,this German wealthy woman who betrays her country because of her Christian belief.This spy is not a routine femme fatale but a human being,who is smitten with remorse because the bombing which her informations allowed led to children's death.She has wonderful lines:"in a war,every victim becomes a brother".Two marvelous scenes:the first one ,probably the strongest in the whole movie,shows Palmer in a confessional,telling her sins to a man she thinks is a priest;the second one,she's to be shot in a jail,while Holden desperately tries,behind his bars, to say a last goodbye to her.Lilli Palmer's performance is moving,responsible and sensitive.
By the third part,no more Palmer,but the movie has hit its stride.Holden's return to Suede becomes an odyssey,with a lot of traps and his character has grown wiser and more human.He's able to show some compassion,probably the woman's influence.One of the most intriguing characters plays a small part now:a young boy,about 12,member of the Hitlerian Youth,proud of his uniform,he will make your hair stand on end.At the end of the movie,Holden has completely understood Palmer's line about the victims/brothers as the scene with Klaus Kinski testifies.
George Seaton has made an entertaining movie,which does not forget to ask questions and to moot responsibility.He does flay the nazi horrors,but he also puts the blame on the English agents ,stuffing themselves with lobster and sipping Champagne,while other people die unnoticed ,simply because the victims are their brothers.
Counterfeit Traitor yes, but NOT a counterfeit movie.
merrywood11 August 1999
One of the great WWII intrigue films perhaps because it was done 20 years emotionally removed from that incredible war, where good and evil were so clearly delineated. The story again proves the Bard right in that truth is stranger than fiction.
By 1962, when this film was released, William Holden's career had already gone into decline but certainly not his talent. A marvelous film shot in the actual European cities where the true story took place, a film that engenders repeated watching. This is a good one for a rainy Saturday night with or without a partner with whom to watch it.
By 1962, when this film was released, William Holden's career had already gone into decline but certainly not his talent. A marvelous film shot in the actual European cities where the true story took place, a film that engenders repeated watching. This is a good one for a rainy Saturday night with or without a partner with whom to watch it.
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